Safe Opioid Use Task Force

Opioid Alert

On December 27, 2017, the Lieutenant Governor signed into law several new requirements aimed at combating the opioid epidemic. The MOA is part of a coalition that is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide input from healthcare professionals in regards to the laws, regulations and systems used by prescribers.

For MOA members, a page has been created with an overview, a link to a summary (PDF) and a link to a survey designed to get feedback from the MOA membership.

Survey and FeedbackThe MOA is working within a collaborative group that has met with the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to voice our concerns over the legislation being passed without the input of healthcare providers. It is vital that the voice of healthcare providers is heard. The MOA has joined with MAFP to offer a brief survey to gain feedback from our combined membership.

Please take a few moments to offer your feedback on this important issue.

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) has developed a strategy for combating the opioid crisis facing Michigan. The MOA's "5 Strategic Pillars" were developed based on recommendations from the MOA Presidential Task Force on Safe Opioid Use, the Michigan Governor's Task Force and The Office of the White House.

On this page, you will find news and info about efforts from the MOA and around Michigan to lessen the burden of the opioid epidemic, a full cadre of resources and useful links for both providers and patients and a section on the MOA Presidential Task Force on Safe Opioid Use.

Online Seminar to help physicians navigate new Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS):A great YouTube video on the MAPS launch detailing the improvements and the steps being taken to better track prescriptions and open communications between MDHHS and prescribers.

MOA hosts joint press conference on opioids

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) and the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) hosted a press conference addressing issues and resources related to the opioid crisis in Michigan. Joining the MOA and MAHP were a number of other organizations concerned with the resources designed to combat the opioid crisis, with a focus on pregnant women and infants diagnosed with Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). New borns with NAS suffer from increased irritability, hypertonia, tremors, feeding intolerance, seizures and respiratory distress. “The opioid epidemic is tearing families apart with a heartbreaking impact on the most innocent victims, who are children,” said Kris Nicholoff, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, one of the health organizations working to address the opioid epidemic in Michigan. “We know it is going take the efforts of the entire health care community to reduce the casualties. Now is not the time to scale back on resources designed to help those who can’t help themselves.”

The event featured a series of speakers from organizations who have joined in a collaborative effort to raise public awareness and alert legislators to the urgency of maintaining programs that are making a difference in treating addiction and preventing overdose deaths in our communities.

CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain

The Center for Disease Control has released guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. The guidelines carve out an exception for patients receiving cancer treatment or end-of-life care. When doctors determine that such drugs are necessary in other situations, the CDC advises doctors prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.

In 2014, the Michigan Osteopathic Association developed an Ad Hoc committee to investigate the causes of the alarming rates of opioid abuse in Michigan. The committee soon transformed into the MOA Task Force on Safe Opioid Use. The Task Force was invited to have a member join Governor Rick Snyder's Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force to develop recommendations on preventing the causes and addressing the addiction.

The MOA Task Force continues to work on educating members, legislators, law enforcement and the public on the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. This page offers resources and events to aid in that education.

Thank you to all the attendees of the MOA Luncheon & Town Hall Meeting, Saturday, May 14. The event offered a distinguished panel of experts from the medical, legislative and law enforcement sectors for a town hall-style discussion. The event was moderated by Tim Skubick, Senior Capitol Correspondent and host of WKAR's "Off the Record," as an overflow crowd asked questions and heard from the various points of view. The event began with a message from Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Chair of the Governor's Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force.

View the YouTube video of the Lt. Gov. Brian Calley's message to the MOA Town Hall: Click HERE

Gov. Rick Snyder has announced the initial appointments to the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission, created by the Executive Order he signed in June. The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) will be represented by Stephen Bell, DO. Dr. Bell previously served on the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force and currently chairs the MOA's Safe Opioid Use Task Force.

The 21-member Commission, will review the Report of Findings and Recommendations for Action from the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force. They are tasked with developing and proposing policies that will be used in an action plan for implementation.

"I am honored to serve our state on such an important issue facing our communities. Osteopathic physicians can provide a unique perspective on pain management and addiction treatment," said Dr. Bell.

The creation of the commission was a recommendation of the Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force the Governor created last year that was chaired by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.